Sensor Assembly Light-Shielding Ribs Prevent Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Time of Flight (TOF) sensors face issues with internal reflection causing light interference, and water and dust leakage due to the connection between the shielding rib and the housing, which affects detecting accuracy and sensor reliability.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a light-shielding part comprising first and second light-shielding ribs that extend from the inner and outer surfaces of the detecting wall into the internal wall, providing independent light paths and preventing water and dust ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a shielding rib running through the housing is provided to solve internal reflection, then light interference is reduced, but water and dust leakage increases at the connection position
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding rib is divided into multiple segments (first shielding rib, second shielding rib, third shielding rib) positioned at different locations within the housing. Each segment independently blocks light paths without requiring continuous penetration through the housing wall, thereby reducing leakage points while maintaining light-shielding effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the shielding rib and the housing wall. This sealing ring fills the gap and prevents water and dust from leaking through the connection position, while still allowing the shielding rib to perform its light-blocking function.
2Ease of operation
If a light-permeable housing is provided to ensure normal light emission and reception, then sensor operation is enabled, but internal reflection causes light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into light-permeable regions (emitting area and receiving area) and light-shielding regions (shielding ribs). This segmentation allows the housing to simultaneously perform both functions: allowing light through specific areas while blocking light paths that would cause interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the housing have different optical properties. The emitting area and receiving area are made light-permeable to enable sensor operation, while the shielding ribs are made light-opaque to prevent internal reflection and light interference. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents light interference and ensures waterproof, moisture-proof, and dust-proof operation, ensuring accurate and reliable sensor performance.
Implementation Method 1
The light-shielding part is located between the emitting area and the receiving area and includes a first light-shielding rib and a second light-shielding rib
Implementation Method 2
The housing includes a detecting wall including a light permeable emitting area and a receiving area
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes: a sensor; a housing comprising a detecting wall configured to cover the sensor; and a light-shielding part. The light-shielding part includes a first light-shielding rib having a first end disposed on an inner surface of the detecting wall and a second end extending into an inside of the detecting wall; and a second light-shielding rib having a first end disposed on an outer surface of the detecting wall and a second end extending into the inside of the detecting wall. The first light-shielding rib and the second light-shielding rib are at least partially overlapped along a thickness direction of the detecting wall.